If you have never served in the military before, you are considered “Non-Prior Service” and you’ve come to the right place to start investigating the different branches of the military. 

The Air National Guard (ANG) is a reserve component of the United States Air Force with a unique State mission you won’t find in any other Air Force component.  This dual mission enables members to serve their country, state, and local communities while also leading successful civilian careers all while staying close to family and friends.  In addition, ANG service qualifies members for many tangible benefits to include technical training, tuition assistance, low cost health insurance, and extra income - just to name a few. 

The entry process is the same as any other military component – beginning first with the academic qualification (ASAVB), medical qualification (MEPS Physical), and job selection, followed by Basic Military Training (BMT) and Basic Technical Training (Job Training).  Once trained, ANG Airmen return home to fulfill their service obligation serving one weekend a month (“drill” weekend) and two weeks a year for annual training.

Qualification

The qualification standards for entry into the United States Armed Forces are strict and not everyone will qualify.  The Air National Guard is no exception.  Applicants must pass screening requirements in the following categories:

• Citizenship
• Age
• Education
• Dependents
• Finances
• Drug use
• Criminal history
• Height/weight
• Tattoos
• Medical
• Additional items deemed necessary by accession regulations

Recruiters are trained in the laws and military regulations governing entry requirements and will be able to advise you if there are any factors that would disqualify you for enlistment, and if waivers may be available.  For specifics, talk with a Recruiter today.

Click the following links to learn more about non-prior service enlistments, qualifications requirements and training.

• ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude and Battery)
• Military Physical
• Basic Military Training

If you have prior service in the Air Force or any other branch of service, the Air National Guard is a great way to continue your military career.  In many cases, service members complete their first term of enlistment and then separate as they pursue further education, civilian occupations, and family-life closer to home.  The ANG enables prior service members to continue their military service right in their local communities - fulfilling the desire to serve while also fulfilling family and career commitments. 

If you are still serving, a Recruiter will help you to determine the appropriate transfer process for your individual situation.  If you are currently on a civilian break, a Recruiter will also assist you in determining your re-enlistment eligibility.  Before meeting with a recruiter, you will want to locate your separation documents such as:

• DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, and/or discharge order. 

Your Recruiter will need these documents to verify your re-enlistment code as well as your rank, total years of service, and specialty (AFSC/MOS/Rating).  If you aren’t able to locate these forms, we can assist you in obtaining them. 

Age Requirement

In order to reenlist, service members must be able to obtain 20 good years of service prior to age 60.  For example, if you served on active duty for four years, you would need to enlist prior to your 44^th birthday to be eligible. 

Medical/Physical Requirement

If you are currently serving, your Recruiter will be able to advise you exactly what is needed in order to be medically cleared for transfer to the ANG.  Generally speaking, if you are currently World Wide Deployable, without restrictions or a medical or PT profile, the process to be medically qualified for transfer should be straightforward.  If you are currently on a profile or under the care of a physical for a medical diagnosis or condition, additional documentation may be required. 

If you have been out of a military component for more than six months, you will be required to return to MEPS for a full entry physical.  If you have been under the care of a physician for a medical condition since your separation, or if you were treated for anything during your previous term of service, MEPS will require all documentation prior to conducting a physical.  Your recruiter can advise you of the requirements and assist you in obtaining military medical records. 

Other Entry Requirements

Similar to when you first enlisted, reenlistment eligibility has requirements in the following areas:

• Citizenship
• Age
• Education
• Dependents
• Finances
• Drug use
• Criminal history
• Height/weight
• Tattoos
• Medical
• Additional items deemed necessary by accession regulations

To obtain your prior service records, log in to Milconnect and submit a request

Your Recruiter will ask you about all of these areas and advise you if there are any disqualifying factors. 

Contact us to get your re-enlistment process started today!

Have a college degree already?  The ANG is a great option to employ your education and experience as a strong military leader.  While there is not a requirement to have prior service, with such a strong talent pool of educated and experienced Airman, the 171st generally advertises commissioning opportunities internally as one of the many growth opportunities for our enlisted Airman.  However, some opportunities will be posted here with application instructions. 

If you’re interested in Commissioning Opportunities, talk to a Recruiter today to learn about how starting on the Enlisted Career path can accelerate your Officer career.

The Air National Guard has many opportunities for civilian Health Professionals to also serve as part-time military providers.  If you’re a Doctor, Dentist, or RN with a 4 year degree, we’d love to talk to you about the many career paths. 

Contact the Recruiting Office today for more specific information about HP opportunities here in Pittsburgh.

Interested in flying as a KC-135 Pilot?  The 171^st typically holds an Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) Hiring Board once a year and selects candidates to attend training the following fiscal year. 

Contact the Recruiting Office today for more specific information about becoming a pilot at the 171st.

UNDERGRADUATE PILOT TRAINING APPLICATION WORKBOOK